Introduction: Is June Really “Bustin’ Out”?
“June is bustin’ out all over”, is a song from the musical, “Carousel”. Yes, but is June really bustin’ out this year? There are a myriad of things that have occured. For me, the month of June itself has been bittersweet in which both good and bad occurrences have happened. Now, I am not talking about any candy. Maybe later, read on.
The Joys of Early Summer
Whether it is the longer days and shorter nights, warmer temperatures or just an abundance of sunshine, summer is scheduled to begin one day this month. Also, I can plant in the garden and watch everything grow without worrying about frost or snow.
Personal Memories of Love and Loss
Time to bring the vegetables inside and eat, I am thinking…. Mmm good! Like from the end of the song, “Memory”, written by Andrew Lloyd Webber, “It is so easy to leave me, All alone with memory of my days in the sun …You’ll understand what happiness is”. Yes indeed, there are happy memories for us all in June.
Shifting Focus to Positivity
On a personal note, June 5, 2003, my significant other, Maureen, walked into my life. Here is what began some of the most wonderful “Days of Our Lives”. Of course, this was not the soap opera. This is fact, not fiction. Going to a park or beach, traveling or just being together, we tried to make the best of our situations. Our relationship was bittersweet and did not last. June 12, 2015, Maureen died, which became one of the worst times of my life. Added to this, my mom died last June 19. As Charles Dickens wrote in ,”Tale of Two Cities”, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times “.
Addressing Civil Unrest
OKAY, time to try to turn my negative thinking into positives about June. Difficult yes, but it is what is what I need. So, now I focus on the sun beaming outside and the birds singing songs and the smell of fresh air. Unfortunately, I know the drill. Spending time outdoors helps me stay calm. Maybe, just maybe, we can do our part. Remember to be safe, wear our masks, and stay six feet apart from each other. Do not congregate. Safety first! ALL-Ways.
The Power of Unity
As am I writing this article, there is civil unrest everywhere. Yes, it is our first amendment right to freedom of speech and freedom to assemble. Are we obtaining our objectives without restorting to wrong and unlawful behavior? Riots and looting are not the answers. Included in the amendment it states, “the right of the people PEACEFULLY to assemble”. Furthermore, it is written in the Ten Commandments, “Thou Shall Not Kill “. What is happening now is not an example elaborated on by the amendment. I just dont think so. No doubts, I do think the police using excessive force should persist any longer. ERIC GARNER and in the past, RODNEY KING to name two. Today, of course it is GEORGE FLOYD. THIS MUST STOP HERE AND NOW, PEACEFULLY!
Sweet Memories Amid the Bitterness
We must all try to get along. Together and individually we will get through our dilemmas and our problems. We can! We definitely can! Given all this, I want to believe in the good in ALL people and not just some people. ALL PEOPLE!
Closing Thoughts
June is bustin’ out, but is it mostly negative? Alright, now it is time to give out some sweet, but not too bittersweet candies. Finally, I put my attentions on thinking of my good times with Maureen. Wow, it is hard to believe it is now five years later, “Sweetie”, I love you, I miss you and I still wish you were here.
Howard Diamond, A Certified Peer Specialist from Long Island
Certified Peer Specialist from Long Island.
